Combating investment scams

The financial services industry is a target for scammers around the world. Scammers are impersonating real people from reputable financial service firms and are making unsolicited contact with individuals via phone, email, instant messaging or other social media platforms in an effort to get them to invest in fake investment products.

This webpage contains some information on current scams, together with some guidance to assist you in identifying any suspicious approaches.

What is an investment scam?

An investment scam is a fake investment opportunity presented to individuals by scammers who impersonate real people from financial service firms. The scammers will present extremely appealing investment opportunities through a series of highly convincing interactions, often supported by sophisticated fake disclosure documents and application material.

How can I avoid being scammed?

Treat any unsolicited contact from financial service firms or individuals who are not your trusted financial adviser with suspicion. FSI does not make direct contact with prospective individual investors regarding investment opportunities.

What are some indicators of an investment scam?

Unexpected, unsolicited contact
Promises around guaranteed investment returns
Claims that the government or a regulatory authority guarantees investments
Invitation-only investment opportunities or time pressures to invest.

What should I do if I think I am the target of a scam?

You can report the scam to Netsafe via their website and they will get back to you with advice and may also pass your report to another agency, such as the police or Consumer Protection.
If you suspect that you are being targeted with any fake or copy websites, or that your identity has been obtained or is being used by someone else, you can report the issue to Cert NZ.
If you receive any unsolicited contact from persons purporting to be representatives of FSI please do not respond to it, notify us by email via [email protected].

Is there any additional information or resources available to help me identify potential scams?

For current alerts on scams: https://www.cert.govt.nz/individuals/alerts/
For general information on your online safety: https://www.cert.govt.nz/individuals/guides/
For learning more about recognising and reporting scams: https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/scamwatch
For information about protecting your identity: https://www.cert.govt.nz/businesses-and-individuals/guides/simple-steps-to-cyber-security/

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Material on this website is intended to provide general information to ‘wholesale clients’ (as defined in the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013) only. Such material does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. No material on this website may be provided or passed on to individuals who qualify as ‘retail clients’ (as defined in the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013).

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